Roundhay 

To many a Leeds resident, and indeed city visitor, one of the nicest places to wander for a bit of fresh air is Roundhay Park. One of the biggest parks in the city, Roundhay boasts huge sprawling open spaces, with flower gardens, a cricket pitch, a lake with its award winning restaurant/café, as well as a grand manor house. A favourite for picnics and family days out in the Summer, and romantic walks around the lake in the Winter, if you need to unwind, pack yourselves off here for a few hours and we guarantee your stress will float away. 

If outdoors isn’t your thing, or you’ve got kids that need to be entertained, big kids included, Roundhay has ready made entertainment with some of its indoor attractions. Tropical World is the most famous, with coach loads of school children having paid it a visit, along with tourists from far and wide. A sanctuary of all things elaborate, from butterflies to bats and snakes to spiders, see animals who usually live in much more tropical climes, all housed in giant greenhouses. 

The bat house is a particulary good one if you need to shut up a whining child, as it holds a few surprises that will put them in their place! Surrounded by such elaborate animals it’s easy to drift away, and daydream that you’re in fact in far away lands, in the Amazon, or perhaps the desert, but of course it’s all within the wonders of Yorkshire turf.   

Roundhay's leafy avenues, impressive Victorian houses, smart shops, trendy eateries and old terrace houses, owe there existence to the ancient forest which became Roundhay Park. However, the area goes back to long before the park existed. As part of the Kingdom of Elmet, Roundhay witnessed much of the life, the struggles and the chaos of Celtic, Roman and Saxon times. In the area of Elmet Hall and Roundhay Park, Roman and Celtic relics have been found. When the Romans left Britain in 410AD, Elmet became the seat of local government for the last of the British Kings. The independence of Elmet was lost when Edwin conquered in 625AD and it came part of English Northumbria. It was a Christian country at the time of the conquest and it held out against paganism to remain true to it's faith.

Until the 1800's, thick forest formed a natural barrier from Leeds, only approachable by treacherous cart tracks and devious bridle routes. In the 13th Century three square miles of the forest became a hunting park for the DeLacey family of Pontefract Castle. The name Roundhay is derived from the circular "hay" or "round enclosure" created to keep the deer from straying. Part of the original boundary ditch still survives. Timber from the park was used for building material and fuel in medieval times and iron ore was also in evidence in the southern half of Roundhay, which was later made into waterwheels and machinery and Roundhay Forge. In 1512, the Park and the Manor of Roundhay were separated and in 1803 the entire estate was sold to Thomas Nicholson and Samuel Elam. It was the entrepreneurial Thomas who was largely responsible for landscaping of what we today term Roundhay Park. The church of St. John's Roundhay was founded in 1826 and the Almshouses and Day School were built in 1837. Waterloo Lake was developed around 1815 from an ancient quarry and it is so deep that it was used to sink old weapons during the First World War! Named after the famous British victory at Waterloo, at its southern end it had a spectacular sixty foot waterfall.

At the Upper Lake, 72-year-old high wire artist Charles Blondin wobbled over the water and Charles Parsons tested his torpedo.

The Hermitage was constructed in 1911 as a summerhouse and "The Castle" was completed in 1821, was used by hunting parties. Built in 1811-26, The Mansion was the crowning glory of the park, enhanced by the beautiful Canal Gardens complete with rustic bridge and stone lined pond. Roundhay Hall (formerly Allerton Hall) was completed in 1822 and now forms part of a private hospital.

The history of the park itself is a fascinating story of power, prestige and self-interest, which has produced Leeds' greatest jewel. The entire estate was purchased by the City Of Leeds and opened as a public park by His Royal Highness Princes Arthur in 1872. The park was ridiculed as a "White Elephant" as it was too far out of the city for the majority of the population to enjoy, until the opening of the successful Electric Tramway in 1897. Now the masses could reach the park, new amenities were constructed. Cricket matches, cycle racing, magnificent gardens and even an outdoor swimming pool made the park, at last, a resounding success. Today the park has 700 acres of parkland, lakes and woodland as well as the wonderful Tropical World. The Upper Lake is a wildlife area whilst the Park Arena is a natural amphitheatre for special events. Facilities also include tennis courts, skateboard ramps, sports pitches, bowling greens, a sports arena, a golf course and fishing. However, Roundhay is much more than the park itself. The red brick terraced houses built during the industrial revolution and the impressive Victorian mansion are integral parts of Roundhay, where the past and present merge into a lively and important suburb of modern Leeds.

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Chapel Allerton 

Slightly south of Roundhay is the cosmopolitan cubby-hole of Chapel Allerton. An area that’s come into its own in the past couple of years as young professionals have clambered to live here. There’s a community feel to it, but not in a "more tea vicar" manner, there’s a definite sense of it being cool, but it’s also got an approachability, something that all who live here appreciate the bond with. The lady in the sandwich shop likes to chat, the girl in the hairdressers will recognise your face, but head out on an evening, and it’s got the city buzz to keep you on your toes.

The suburb is a haven for shoppers, diners and night owls alike. You won't find a more hip and trendy place to be around the Leeds or Harrogate area than the village of Chapel Allerton. It is a destination that could sit comfortably within any cosmopolitan part of the world.

It buzzes with a great feel good factor, day and night, and retains a wonderful sense of community and village friendliness, despite being so close to Leeds city centre. Whether it's somewhere to live, shop, have your hair done or while away a few hours at a restaurant or café, this snazzy suburb is the place to be. The high number of independently owned shops adds to Chapel Allerton's reputation as a place that offers a shopping experience with the personal touch. The shops, bars and restaurants here have a more individual feel to them than in the city. A great place for shopping, you can be sure to pick something distinctive here.

Chapel Allerton has certainly carved out a name for itself as a hip and happening place, with a vast array of shops, salons, restaurants, bistros and cafes all spiralling the village's famous willow tree landmark at the junction of Harrogate Road and Stainbeck Lane. Few other places match Chapel Allerton for the diversity and individuality of its daytime offerings - the Notting Hill of the north.

By night, north Leeds' cosmopolitan village, Chapel Allerton, offers an exciting evening destination with a wealth of fantastic venues to choose from. The buzz that exudes from this place during the day is as evident by night and there is no shortage of places to go and things to do, whatever the occasion. The busier, in-your-face nightlife of Leeds city centre is not for everyone and Chapel Allerton offers a trendy, welcoming alternative, very close by. There is no hassle negotiating busy streets to get here, and it provides plenty of parking.

In recent years the number of contemporary cafes, bars and restaurants has increased considerably as the village has become an evening hotspot. Locals and visitors alike, enjoy Chapel Allerton's eclectic offering of drinking and eating venues. Many of the cafes and restaurants, especially towards the centre, extend onto the pavement. This creates Chapel Allerton's very own piazza and a wonderful place to relax on a sunny day or evening. There is nothing nicer when the sun is shining than sitting outside watching the world go by, and this is a great place to do just that. Pubs play an integral part of the life and community and, just as Chapel Allerton has retained its village atmosphere, it has also kept many of its old watering holes.

Chapel Allerton offers a very warm welcome to visitors and locals alike and its overriding sense of community ensures that there is always something going on locally for people to enjoy. Not one to keep quiet about its assets, Chapel Allerton every year organises a colourful celebration of life in the suburb with its very own Chapel Allerton Arts Festival. With an abundance of weird and wonderful sights and sounds, the area really comes alive as the streets are closed to traffic and instead are taken over by artists, poets, comedians and musicians. The festival is organised each year by hard working volunteers and is a fantastic event.

Wherever you choose to go in Chapel Allerton you are guaranteed a good night out and friendly faces to share it with.

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Alwoodley 

Alwoodley is a prestigious residential area of north Leeds, characterised by larger detached and semi detached houses often inhabited by affluent families and professionals. There is a mix of established houses and new developments that have been built in recent years as the area has become more popular.

There are several exclusive shops to be found in Alwoodley, with the main shopping areas to be found in nearby Roundhay and Moortown, where you’ll find a large Sainsburys, Comet, Blockbusters and local shops to be found at the Moor Allerton centre.

Alwoodley Golf course is situated just off the A61 to Harrogate and is very popular with local residents. It ranks as one of the top fifty championship courses in the UK & Ireland and is second in Yorkshire. In addition there is Sand Moor golf course nearby, a well-established club that welcomes visitors. 

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Moortown 

Moortown is a very popular area of north Leeds with a fine selection of specialist shops and cafés. It has a broad range of housing from semi detached to large prestigious detached properties. The strong popularity of this affluent area is reflected in its above average house prices.

There is a good range of shops from delis, banks and newsagents to a Marks and Spencer food hall. To compliment the nightlife, there is a casino which is increasingly popular. The area benefits from excellent local transport links including buses into Leeds and Harrogate.

There is a range of local pubs to suit all tastes. Takeaways are available, but there are not many local restaurants. You can, however find a large selection of restaurants, shops, takeaways and bars on nearby Street Lane. Moortown Golf Club has one of the country’s finest championship courses which hosted the 1929 Ryder Cup. It is a members club, but does welcome visitors.   

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Oakwood 

Oakwood is situated next to Roundhay Park and is known for the Oakwood clock on the corner of Oakwood's shopping street. The main street is host to a number of good independent shops ranging from tailors, boutiques, bookshops and art galleries and includes a few cafés and restaurants, as well as conveniences such as a Post Office and newsagent. There are two supermarkets Tesco and a smaller Somerfield, and the area is always lively with Roundhay Park close by.

Housing includes large detached properties as well as a range of more affordable semi detached property and flats. There are plenty of buses in and out of Leeds, and residents often take advantage of the open space of Soldiers Fields.   

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Adel 

Adel is situated on the northern outskirts of Leeds and presents a village feel having luckily avoided extensive development. It is a highly desirable residential area and boasts some of the most prestigious properties to be found in Leeds. It is a very popular area, due to its proximity to the countryside, which has caused property prices to rise considerably in recent years. Views of the lower Wharfdale countryside and quiet streets and lanes make it popular with buyers looking for peace and quiet. Golden Acre Park, situated between Adel and Bramhope, is a popular area for families to visit with its extensive flowerbeds and lakeside walks.

Adel has a small centre that provides access to shops and a few local pubs and restaurants. The Lawnswood Arms is popular with families, offering play areas and family dining. There are regular buses to and from the area and its close proximity to the outer ring road ensures that Leeds city centre and the motorways are easily accessible. Leeds Bradford Airport is a twenty minute drive away.   

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Shadwell 

Shadwell is an affluent picturesque village situated to the north of Leeds. It is mostly inhabited by families, and has many original stone built cottages and terraces in the centre of the village. Open countryside is a stone’s throw away. If you enjoy golf then Shadwell is the place to live, with three courses in the nearby area. 

The village has grown over the last fifty years and there have been several housing developments that have sprung up with more modern semi detached and detached housing. Property tends to sell very quickly in Shadwell and its popularity is reflected in the prices.

There is a village social club and the Red Lion pub, which offers a good selection of food and drinks. Within the village itself there are a few shops including a Post Office. However, a few minutes drive out of the village is Slaid Hill, a residential area that has a small parade of shops including a convenience store, restaurant, take-away, pub, off licence and bakery etc.   

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Scarcroft 

Scarcroft is a prosperous village situated just off the A58 (the main road to Wetherby). There are some older stone built properties, and there are some more recent independently designed large detached properties set back off the main road. With wide-open countryside to either side of the village, Scarcroft is a very popular choice with families.

The one local pub, The Bracken Fox, offers a good selection of food and drink. It has a beer garden and in the winter it's open log fires are very welcoming. Nearby Scarcroft Golf Club has a very picturesque course, is a members club, but does welcome visitors.   

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Diversity of cultures 

North Leeds is indeed home to many different cultures and ways of life, from ‘Millionaires’ drive, to Leeds Grammar School, to the golf courses and nail bars that keep high society happy, to the community centres set up to help families from different backgrounds. This is what makes the area diverse and it’s what makes the world go round. 

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